MS Rural Dentist Scholarship Program; increase number of students who may be admitted annually.

HB 531 increases the annual admission limit for Mississippi's Rural Dentist Scholarship Program from three to six students. The bill amends Section 37-146-7 of the Mississippi Code to expand this program, which recruits and supports undergraduate students committed to practicing dentistry in rural or underserved Mississippi communities. Key provisions include formalizing the commission's role in selecting candidates based on academic merit and alignment with dental school admissions standards, while maintaining the program's focus on preparing students for careers in underserved areas. This change directly affects prospective dental students in Mississippi who qualify for the scholarship and aim to serve rural communities after graduation. The program, administered with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, aims to address dental workforce shortages in these regions.